1991 Johnson Outboard Starting Problem

[steviepb5]

I have a 1991 25 hp Johnson outboard (J25TELEIE) that is very difficult to start when it is cold. It is an electric start and has a primer system, but no choke. It does seem easier to get running if I put my hand over the opening on the carburetor to choke it a bit. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong because once the motor has run for a bit it starts up very easily. Another thing that seems strange to me is that the electric starter only stays engaged with the flywheel for a second or two before the starting gear is retracted. This makes it so the motor doesn't spin very much each time I try to start is. I'm not sure if this is an issue, but I thought it may be important to note. My knowledge of outboard motors is very slim, so any help would be appreciated.

 

[M Strawn]

Do you check to ensure that the primer bulb between the fuel tank and the engine has been squeezed until it is firm?

Have you checked to see if the fuel enrichment solenoid is energizing and sending fuel? Do you push the key in while turning it to start the engine?

Have you had the battery load tested (Free at Autozone)?

 

[steviepb5]

I do make sure the primer bulb is firm when I begin the process of starting the motor. This is a tiller controlled motor, and I don't have a key. The electronic start is push button. I have not had the battery load tested, but I might need to charge it up. The battery is fairly new, and I'm not sure how the load issue would make the starting motor quit after a few seconds. I would assume that if the battery were bad then the starting motor wouldn't even have the torque to spin the flywheel. The way that this motor starts is there is a motor mounted with the shaft vertical. This vertical shaft has a gear on it that is forced up and engages with the flywheel anytime the start button is pushed. Most of the time the motor shaft is retracted and stops spinning after less than 2 seconds, but every now and then it will spin the motor for an extended period of time. Again, maybe that's just my ignorance on this type of system.

 

[racerone]

After you operate the manual fuel pump on the hose and the carburetor is full, what is your next step ?----Do you operate the manual primer on the lower cowling ????

 

[steviepb5]

Yes, typically I use the primer on the motor directly after the one on the gas line.